For the second time in a row, the Ravens (3-2) have fallen to the Redskins (3-2) in the “Beltway Battle.”
With the exception of the first drive, which started off with impressive runs by running back Terrance West and a Joe Flacco touchdown pass to Crockett Gillmore, Baltimore’s offense was pathetic.
Even when the Ravens moved the ball, they failed to capitalize on opportunities to put points on the scoreboard. All but two of Baltimore’s offensive drives ended in either a punt (eight) or a turnover on downs.
Additionally, Baltimore also attempted a horrendous fake field goal.
This play erased a forced fumble and recovery by linebacker Zachary Orr, which was deep in Redskins territory and would’ve been an easy three points for the Ravens.
For Washington, two negatives equaled a positive as quarterback Kirk Cousins threw an interception to Ravens’ linebacker C.J. Mosley, which was then fumbled into the end zone for a Redskins touchback. This negated a chance for Baltimore to score and gave Washington a new set of downs at the 25-yard line.
To make matters worse, Mosley injured his hamstring on the embarrassing play.
The Ravens’ defense was fantastic as they only allowed the Redskins to score one offensive touchdown while forcing six punts.
Baltimore’s special teams got off to a terrible start as Redskins’ wide receiver Jamison Crowder returned a punt 85 yards to the end zone.
If your defense and special teams only let up 16 points and you still lose, your offense needs to step it up.
West held his ground against Washington, picking up 95 yards on only 11 carries.
Flacco threw for 210 yards and one touchdown, but he failed to pick up first downs on a consistent basis. It didn’t help that his best receiver, Steve Smith, Sr., injured his ankle in the first quarter.
Let’s not completely blame Flacco for a poor offensive outing. Some of his incompletions were a product of dropped balls from his receivers.
Cousins did what he had to do in order to beat Baltimore by limiting his mistakes and completing 29 of his 41 pass attempts for 260 yards and one score.
Cousins’ lone touchdown pass was a 21-yard bomb to wide receiver Pierre Garcon, which gave the Redskins a lead they wouldn’t lose. After having a quiet game against Cleveland, Garcon led Washington in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns against the Ravens.
If Baltimore wants make the postseason, the Ravens cannot continue to perform so poorly on offense.
Baltimore will head to New Jersey to take on the Giants on Sunday, Oct. 16.
